Greek Core-Formed Glass Alabastron

Of piriform profile with lateral loop handles below the broad shoulder, short neck with flared mouth; bands of painted geometric ornament to the shoulder and equator; circular vent to one face and similar to the reverse with horizontal bar; old collector's labels '8.', 'No.357' and 'Chypre'; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 96 grams, 14 cm high (393 grams total, 15.5 cm including stand)



Collection of Louis-Gabriel Bellon (1819-1899), Saint-Nicolas-lez-Arras and Rouen; thence by descent. with Millon & Associes Auctions, Paris, 6th December 2021, lot 6.

With hair divided in vertical arrangements, bound on the back by a fillet, delicate rendering of mouth, nose and eyes; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 38 grams total, 64 mm including stand



Ex P. A., Hertfordshire, UK, specialist collection of Greek art, 1980-1990s.

It seems that half-draped women in sculpture, whatever the pose, are quite rare before the late Hellenistic period; however, they appear as early as the 4th century B.C., on a small scale and in terracotta. North Macedonian terracotta figurines of Aphrodite or mortal girls replicate sculptural trends of the 2nd century B.C. In particular, the the classical sculptural tradition was revived during the latter half of the second century B.C., as evidenced by the figurines.

Composed of a conical upper body with stylised dolphin-shaped handles and central suspension loops, the lower body of the vessel formed from three later coloured glass beads. 1.76 grams, 25 mm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.